Gemotions

The notice, a stark white rectangle, quivered in Amelia’s hand. She reread it: "Conversion to Condominiums." A tremor ran through her, starting in her toes and rapidly ascending. Her breath hitched. The rent increase she’d been anticipating felt like a minor inconvenience now. She clutched the paper so tightly that her knuckles whitened, the edges biting into her skin.

She immediately raced to the window, peering down at the familiar, grimy brick of the building next door. The world seemed to tilt slightly. A wave of nausea washed over her. The thought of having to move, to leave her sanctuary, her safe space, caused her stomach to churn.

Her phone began to buzz in her pocket. It was her sister. She hesitated, then answered, her voice tight and unfamiliar. “Hey… yeah, I just saw it.” She mumbled, unable to elaborate, the weight of the news pressing on her chest.